Pretoria - The Free State provincial government has outlined its plans to revitalise school hostels in rural areas and utilise unoccupied school buildings.
Delivering his State of the Province Address on Friday, Free State Premier Ace Magashule said the provincial government has upgraded numerous school hostels since the beginning of this year.
"The number of learners accommodated in hostels has increased substantially to 2 229, six additional hostels will be renovated to accommodate more learners," he said.
He said three more new schools will be built in the province with others being renovated, upgraded and more classrooms in various urban and rural areas will be provided.
Magashule said the province will launch a new pilot programme that will see health practitioners, such as nurses and social workers, being deployed to some schools in the province.
"Nurses and social workers shall be dedicated to rural hostels and schools and in addition, further consideration shall be given to the provision of housing for teachers in rural areas to enable them to dedicate all their energy and undivided attention to the education of learners in rural areas," Magashule said.
He further reiterated government's commitment to education, adding that learners and teachers are expected to be in school and class on time, learning and teaching for seven hours a day.
